Concerning health update on Gatton bashing victim Mike Katui, Toowoomba court

Two men who police allege attacked a man at a Gatton pub, have been released on bail. Here’s what happened when they fronted court.

Police allege Michael Moses, 31, (left) and Michael Numdi, 49, (right), were involved in an altercation with Mike Katui, 26, at Gatton in 2023 which almost killed the young man.

A Toowoomba court heard a man who almost died in hospital following an alleged pub fight at Gatton in September has been released from hospital.

However, police prosecutor Leea Trewin said despite Mike Katui’s release, it was difficult for police to obtain a statement from the 26-year-old due to significant brain injuries.

In early September, Mike Katui, 26, was in a coma at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and a Toowoomba court heard in September he was not responding to treatment and was likely to die.

Following the alleged incident at the Royal Hotel, the young man was airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition with serious head injuries.

Three days later, a Toowoomba Magistrate was told it was likely Mr Katui would not recover, however his condition stabilised in the following weeks’ surprising medical staff and police.

Two men were charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm following the incident - Michael Moses, 31, and Michael Numdi, 49.

Michael Moses leaving the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on December 5, 2023, after spending months in custody. Picture: News Regional Media.

The pair’s case was mentioned at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Tuesday, December 5.

Bouchier Khan senior associate and solicitor Alysha Jacobsen represented Mr Moses, and Skuse Graham Criminal Lawyers managing partner and solicitor Brad Skuse represented Mr Numdi.

Ms Jacobsen said Mr Moses was recently released from custody on Supreme Court bail, and noted a direction was given to police prosecution to provide an estimated time of arrival on when the alleged victim’s statement would be available.

The court heard the legal teams were also waiting on a statement from the arresting officer and a doctor.

Michael Numdi, 49.

Police prosecutor Trewin told Magistrate Kay Philipson she tried to get an update for the court but was yet to receive a response.

“I do apologise to the court and (solicitors),” she said.

Ms Philipson asked if the victim was in a position to give a statement to which Sergeant Trewin said “given the state of his injuries there is difficulty obtaining that statement from him”.

The case will next be before the court on January 30.